Treatment for dark adaptation

ABSTRACT

The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, compositions that increase reverse cholesterol transport are utilized as therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch&#39;s membrane is reduced by delivering Apolipoprotein A1, particularly a mimetic peptide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/055,309, filed Feb. 10, 2005, which is a divisional application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/794,198, filed Mar. 5, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/428,551, filed May 2, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/313,641, filed Dec. 6, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/340,498, filed Dec. 7, 2001; and which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/415,864, filed Oct. 3, 2002; all priority applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the fields of opthalmology and cell biology. Specifically, the invention regards increasing reverse cholesterol transport in the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. More specifically, the invention relates to treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) utilizing regulation of reverse cholesterol transport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe visual loss in the developed world (Taylor et al., 2001; VanNewkirk et al., 2000). In the early stages of the disease, before visual loss occurs from choroidal neovascularization, there is progressive accumulation of lipids in Bruch's membrane (Pauleikhoff et al., 1990; Holz et al., 1994; Sheraidah et al., 1993; Spaide et al., 1999). Bruch's membrane lies at the critical juncture between the outer retina and its blood supply, the choriocapillaris. Lipid deposition causes reduced hydraulic conductivity and macromolecular permeability in Bruch's membrane and is thought to impair retinal metabolism (Moore et al., 1995; Pauleikhoff et al., 1990; Starita et al., 1996). Retina and/or RPE may respond by elaboration of angiogenic factors (e.g. VEGF, vFGF) that promote growth of choroidal neovascularization.

Interestingly, lipid accumulation in Bruch's membrane similar to that in AMD has been observed in apolipoprotein E (apo E) null mice (Dithmar et al., 2000; Kliffen et al., 2000). Because of the additional association between apo E alleles and other age-related degenerations, Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis, there has been recent investigation into a potential role for apo E in AMD.

Several studies on apo E polymorphism in AMD have been conducted (Simonelli et al., 2001; Klayer et al., 1998; Souied et al., 1998). In contrast to Alzheimer's disease, the apo E-4 allele has been associated with reduced prevalence of AMD. Apo E-2 allele is slightly increased in patients with AMD. Further supporting a role in AMD pathogenesis, apo E has been detected in drusen, the Bruch's membrane deposits that are the hallmark of AMD (Klayer et al., 1998; Anderson et al., 2001). Immunohistochemistry on post-mortem eyes has demonstrated apo E in the basal aspect of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (Anderson et al., 2001). Cultured RPE cells synthesize high levels of apo E mRNA, comparable to levels found in brain (Anderson et al., 2001).

While the role of apo E in AMD is not established, this apolipoprotein has several functions that may affect the course of this disease. Apo E has anti-angiogenic (Browning et al., 1994), anti-inflammatory (Michael et al., 1994), and anti-oxidative effects (Tangirala et al., 2001). These are all considered atheroprotective attributes of Apo E, but may also be important in protecting against progression of AMD. While atheroprotective effects of apo E were initially thought to stem from effects on plasma lipid levels, local effects on vascular macrophages are probably equally important. Thus, selective enhanced expression of macrophage apo E in the arterial wall reduces atherosclerosis in spite of hyperlipidemia (Shimano et al., 1995; Bellosta et al., 1995; Hasty et al., 1999). Conversely, reconstitution of apo E null macrophages in C57BL/6 wild type mice induces atherosclerosis (Fazio et al., 1994). Atheroprotective effects of arterial apo E expression are thought to derive in part from facilitation of reverse cholesterol transport (Mazzone et al., 1992; Lin et al., 1999). The mechanisms by which apo E facilitates reverse cholesterol transport are incompletely understood. Apo E expression increases cholesterol efflux to HDL3 in J774 macrophages (Mazzone and Reardon, 1994) and lipid free apolipoprotein A1 (Langer et al., 2000). Cell surface apo E is also hypothesized to induce efflux from the plasma membrane (Lin et al., 1999).

Reverse cholesterol transport may be important in the pathogenesis of AMD because of lipid efflux from RPE into Bruch's membrane. Very much like intimal macrophages, RPE cells progressively accumulate lipid deposits throughout life; however, unlike vessel wall macrophages, the source of RPE lipid is thought to be retinal photoreceptor outer segments (POS) (Kennedy et al., 1995). Every day, each RPE cell phagocytoses and degrades more than one thousand POS via lyzosmal enzymes. These POS are enriched in phospholipid and contain the photoreactive pigment, rhodopsin. Incompletely digested POS accumulate as lipofuscin in RPE. By age 80, approximately 20% of RPE cell volume is occupied by lipofuscin (Feeney-Burns et al., 1984).

Analysis of Bruch's membrane lipid reveals an age-related accumulation of phospholipid, triglyceride, cholesterol, and cholesterol ester (Holz et al., 1994; Curcio et al., 2001). The origin of these lipids also is thought to derive principally from POS rather than from the circulation (Holz et al., 1994; Spaide et al., 1999). POS lipids are hypothesized to efflux from the RPE into Bruch's membrane. Although cholesterol ester deposition in Bruch's suggests contribution from plasma lipids, biochemical analysis of these esters suggests esterification of intracellular cholesterol by RPE cell derived ACAT (Curcio et al., 2002). While trafficking of lipids from the retina to RPE cells has been studied extensively, mechanisms of lipid efflux from RPE to Bruch's membrane are not well understood. Furthermore, from a pathogenic standpoint, regulation of lipid efflux into Bruch's membrane may be important in determining the rate of lipid-induced thickening that occurs in aging.

In AS, similar to AMD, lipids accumulate in the extracellular matrix and within phagocytic cells, primarily macrophages. Mechanisms of lipid metabolism in AS have been investigated in detail. Similar investigations into lipid processing by RPE and subsequent lipid efflux into BM and the circulation have not been conducted with the same depth as those for AS. As a consequence, potential therapeutic approaches to dry AMD are wonting.

Navab et al. (2003) describe ApoA-I mimetic peptides comprising D-amino acids for oral delivery for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2002/0142953 relates to human compositions encoding apolipoproteins that are related to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease.

Thus, the present invention provides a novel approach to reduce lipid content of ocular tissue, such as Bruch's membrane and further provides methods and compositions for the treatment of macular degeneration, such as AMD.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, there are methods and compositions that relate to increasing reverse cholesterol transport in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Particularly, the increase in reverse cholesterol transport is mediated, enhanced, facilitated, and/or triggered by administration of a composition. More particularly, one or more compositions promote efflux of lipids from Bruch's membrane and/or enhances binding of effluxed lipids from Bruch's membrane, thereby reducing accumulation of lipids in both retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. This is beneficial in these regions, given that in aging Bruch's membrane, there is progressive accumulation of lipid and cross-linked protein that impedes hydraulic conductivity and macromolecular permeability. This abnormal deposition, in specific embodiments, also impairs the ability of some larger molecular weight species of HDL, a preferred cholesterol and phospholipids acceptor for lipids effluxed by cultured human RPE, to act as a lipoprotein acceptor. As HDL is unable to pass through BM and promote efflux and/or bind effluxed lipids, more lipids accumulate in both RPE and BM. A skilled artisan recognizes that such accumulations are a major finding in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and, therefore, recognizes the need for novel compositions for the treatment of this debilitating disease.

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-I) is the major lipoprotein component of HDL, and it has a mass of approximately 28 kDaltons. ApoA-I bound to phospholipids comprises nascent HDL particles that bind to ABCA1 on the RPE basal membrane and promote lipid efflux. Because of the low molecular weight of ApoA-I, it can penetrate an aged BM more easily than larger molecular weight species of HDL to bind to the RPE. In addition to its role in promoting reverse cholesterol transport from RPE, ApoA-I also is a potent anti-oxidant, which is known to reduce visual loss in patients with AMD.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a system, method, and/or composition(s) related to treating AMD. Treatments for dry AMD have been lacking, because the pathogenesis of this common condition is poorly understood, and the inventors have demonstrated analogous biological behavior between human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and macrophages that point toward similar pathogenic mechanisms of AMD and atherosclerosis. Specifically, reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is exploited in the present invention for the treatment of AMD. The present inventors provide the novel demonstration of RCT in RPE cells in the eye. More specifically, RCT is regulated through manipulation of levels of cholesterol and/or phospholipid transporters (ABCA-1, Apo E, SRB-1, SRB-2) by nuclear hormone receptor ligands such as agonists of thyroid hormone (TR), liver X receptor (LXR), and/or retinoid X receptor (RXR). A goal for the present invention is the reduction of lipid content of RPE Bruch's membrane to facilitate an improvement in visual function and/or, in some embodiments, prevent ocular disease, such as AMD. Reduction of the lipid content of Bruch's membrane preferably results in at least one or more of the following: reduction in development of CNV; improvement in dark adaptation; improvement in night vision; improved visual acuity; and/or improved recovery to bright flash stimulus.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, there is a method of treating macular degeneration (AMD) in an individual, comprising the step of delivering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an ApoA-I composition. In a specific embodiment, the delivering occurs under conditions wherein reverse cholesterol transport is upregulated, wherein lipid accumulations in BM or RPE are reduced, wherein efflux of lipids from BM is increased, and/or wherein therapeutic anti-oxidant applications are achieved. In further specific embodiments, the administration of the ApoA-I composition results in effective treatment for AMD or any ocular disease, such as be ameliorating at least one symptom of the disease. Delivery of the ApoA-I composition may occur by any method in the art so long as it provides a therapeutically effective amount to the tissue or tissues in need thereof. The delivery may be local or systemic. In preferred embodiments, the delivery is intravenously, as has been done for ApoA-I in mouse models of atherosclerosis and in patients with coronary artery disease. In other embodiments, the delivery is oral.

In particular aspects of the invention, the ApoA-I composition may be any ApoA-I composition that upon delivery to an individual suffering from an ocular disease such as AMD, said disease has amelioration of at least one symptom. For example, the ApoA-I composition may be comprised of one or more L-amino acids or one or more D-amino acids, or mixtures thereof. In particular embodiments, there is an ApoA-I mimetic peptide comprised of D-amino acids, which is not recognized as readily by human proteases, and thus can be administered orally. In specific embodiments, this is more convenient than parenteral administration with an intravenous formulation comprising the L-amino acid ApoA-I or its mimetic peptide. In specific embodiments, exemplary mimetic ApoA-I peptides are used, such as are described by Navab et al. (2003), incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

By way of example, patients with AMD (atrophic or exudative) are administered an ApoA-I composition, such as intravenous ApoA-I, ApoA-I mimetic peptide, or compositions that increase circulating ApoA-I, such as the exemplary oral synthetic phospholipid (1,2 Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) (DMPC). Administration could occur in any frequency so long as there is at least one therapeutic effect, and in preferred embodiments the effect is detectable. The administration, in specific but exemplary embodiments, is as frequent as daily or less frequently as in every other month depending on the method of administration and the clinical response.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a kit for the treatment of macular degeneration, housed in a suitable container, comprising a ApoA-I composition. In particular embodiments, the ApoA-I composition may be ApoA-I from any organism, but particularly human ApoA-I, a mimetic ApoA-I peptide, or an agent that increases ApoA-I circulating levels, such as DMPC. In a specific embodiment, the kit comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In another specific embodiment, the ApoA-I composition is comprised in the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In other specific embodiments, the ApoA-I composition is comprised in a liposome and delivered orally to an individual.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows that RPE cells express Apo E, ABCA1, and LXR α.

FIG. 2 shows RPE cell expression of SR-BI and SR-BII.

FIG. 3 illustrates SR-BI and SR-BII immunofluorescence in RPE cells.

FIG. 4 demonstrates ABCA1 immunofluorescence in RPE cells.

FIG. 5 demonstrates that basal Apo E expression is greater than apical Apo E expression in cultured human RPE cells.

FIG. 6 shows regulation of Apo E expression by nuclear hormone receptor ligands.

FIG. 7 provides a non-denatured polyacrylamide gel of lipoprotein fractions.

FIG. 8 shows ¹⁴C distribution of the fractions from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 demonstrates thin layer chromatography illustrating the identification of six out of seventeen spots of an HDL fraction. Note: HDL is the high density lipoprotein fraction; POS is labeled POS starting material; PC is phophatidylcholine; PI is phosphatidylinisotol; PE is phosphatidylethanolamine; C is cholesterol; TRL is TG rich lipid, including triglycerides and cholesterol ester.

FIG. 10 demonstrates that ¹⁴C counts increase following drug treatments that increase RCT.

FIG. 11 illustrates ABCA1 regulation by RXR and LXR ligands.

FIG. 12 shows HDL, LDL and plasma stimulation of ¹⁴C-labeled lipid transport the identification of HDL from RPE cells.

FIG. 13 shows stimulation of CD36 expression by oxidized lipid.

FIG. 14 illustrates apical and basal secretion from RPE cells of apoe in the presence of T₃ (T), 22(R) hydroxycholesterol, or cis retinoic acid (RA).

FIG. 15 shows that apoe secreted from RPE cells binds to HDL.

FIG. 16 demonstrates that HDL stimulates lipid efflux from RPE cells in culture.

FIG. 17 shows characterization of HDL and plasma bound POS lipids by thin layer chromatography.

FIG. 18 shows plasma and HDL levels of species identified in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows measurement of ¹⁴C-labeled lipid efflux for no human high density lipoprotein (HDL) (Control); 100 μg/ml of human HDL; pure human apoA-I; or human apoA-I vesicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Definitions

As used herein the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising”, the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one. As used herein “another” may mean at least a second or more.

The term “age-related macular degeneration” as used herein refers to macular degeneration in an individual over the age of about 50. In one specific embodiment, it is associated with destruction and loss of the photoreceptors in the macula region of the retina resulting in decreased central vision and, in advanced cases, legal blindness.

The term “Bruch's membrane” as used herein refers to a five-layered structure separating the choriocapillaris from the RPE.

The term “HDL or subspecies thereof” refers to the fact that high density lipoproteins (HDL) can be fractionated into particulate species defined in molecular size and composition. HDL as prepared by density ultracentrifugation and by native nondenaturing purification processes including anti-apolipoprotein A-I immunoaffinity chromatography have been characterized for its constituent species by two-dimensional nondenaturing polyacrylamide electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and mass spectroscopy. HDL has been resolved into more than twenty-five particle species that differ in charge and molecular size. Each particle is defined by a unique combination of protein (including apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, A-IV, A-V, C-III, D, E, J, L, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, cholesterol ester transferase, phospholipid transfer protein, alpha-2 macroglobulin) and lipid (including phospholipid, triglyceride, cholesterol, cholesterol ester, fatty acids). A partial list of HDL species include HDL alpha-1, HDL alpha-2, HDL alpha-3, HDL prebeta-1, HDL prebeta-2 (and variants “a”, “b”, “c”, “d”), HDL prebeta-3, HDL prebeta-4, and HDL prealpha-1.

The term “increase lipid efflux” or “increasing lipid efflux” as used herein refers to an increased level and/or rate of lipid efflux, promoting lipid efflux, enhancing lipid efflux, facilitating lipid efflux, upregulating lipid efflux, improving lipid efflux, and/or augmenting lipid efflux. In a specific embodiment, the efflux comprises efflux of phospholipid, triglyceride, cholesterol, and/or cholesterol ester.

A skilled artisan recognizes that the term “lipid transporter” as used herein refers to a lipoprotein that carries lipids away from peripheral cells into the circulation, and examples include HDL and subspecies thereof, or a mixture thereof. The term “lipid transporter” is also used in the art to refer to, for example, transmembrane proteins that transport cholesterol and phospholipids, for example, from inside a cell to outside the cell. Examples include ABCA1, SR-BI, SR-BII, ABCA4, ABCG5, ABCG8, or a mixture thereof.

The term “macula” as used herein refers to the light-sensing cells of the central region of the retina.

The term “macular degeneration” as used herein refers to deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the macula.

The term “reverse cholesterol transport” as used herein refers to transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver. In a specific embodiment, it refers to efflux of lipid from RPE cells. In specific embodiments, it comprises efflux of cellular cholesterol and/or phospholipid to HDL, and, in further specific embodiments, it comprises HDL delivery of cholesterol ester to the liver, such as for biliary secretion.

The term “therapeutically effective” as used herein refers to the amount of a compound required to improve some symptom associated with a disease. For example, in the treatment of macular degeneration, a compound which improves sight to any degree or arrests any symptom of impaired sight would be therapeutically effective. A therapeutically effective amount of a compound is not required to cure a disease but will provide a treatment for a disease.

The term “upregulate” as used herein is defined as increasing the level and/or rate of an event, process, or mechanism, such as reverse cholesterol transport and/or the transcription and/or translation processes of a nucleic acid, such as a gene.

II. The Present Invention

The present inventors have shown that HDL is a preferred cholesterol and phospholipids acceptor for lipids effluxed by cultured human RPE. In aging BM, there is progressive accumulation of lipid and cross-linked protein that impedes hydraulic conductivity and macromolecular permeability. This abnormal deposition may also impair the ability of some larger molecular weight species of HDL to act as a lipoprotein acceptor. As HDL is unable to pass through BM and promote efflux and bind effluxed lipids, more lipids accumulate in both RPE and BM. Indeed, such accumulations are a major finding in age-related macular degeneration.

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-I), having a mass of approximately 28 kDaltons, is the major lipoprotein component of HDL. When bound to phospholipids, it comprises nascent HDL particles that bind to ABCA1 on the RPE basal membrane and promote lipid efflux. Because of its low molecular weight, it can penetrate an aged BM more easily than larger molecular weight species of HDL to bind to the RPE. In addition to it role in promoting reverse cholesterol transport from RPE, ApoA-I also is a potent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants have been established to reduce visual loss in patients with AMD.

Several methods are used to increase ApoA-I delivery to RPE as a treatment for AMD, including administration intravenously as has been done in mouse models of atherosclerosis and in patients with coronary artery disease. ApoA-I, which is normally comprised of L-amino acids, can be administered as an ApoA-I mimetic peptide (e.g. amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:15 and/or SEQ ID NO:16) comprising D-amino acids. The D-amino acid based ApoA-I mimentic peptide is not recognized as readily by human proteases, and thus can be administered orally. In some embodiments, this would be more convenient than parenteral administration with an intravenous formulation containing the L-amino acid ApoA-I or its mimetic peptide. Furthermore, oral synthetic phospholipid (1,2 Dimyristoyl-α-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DMPC) increases levels of circulating ApoA-I.

By way of example, patients with AMD (atrophic or exudative) are administered intravenously either ApoA-I, ApoA-I mimetic peptide, an agent to increase levels of circulating ApoA-I, such as DMPC, or a mixture thereof.

The histopathology of macula in patients with AMD shows diffuse thickening of Bruch's membrane, and the overlying RPE is attenuated and full of lipofuscin granules. Photoreceptors are shortened and atrophic, and much of the thickened Bruch's membrane consists of lipid deposition. It is known that following about 50 years of age, the rate of lipid accumulation accelerates (Holz et al, 1994).

Using cell culture methods to study lipid metabolism, the inventors have shown a number of analogous mechanisms for lipid metabolism that are shared by macrophages and human RPE cells. The shared biology of these two cell types indicates useful therapeutic approaches for treatment of AMD. Specifically, the present inventors are the first to show that RCT occurs in RPE cells, and enhancement of RCT is beneficial for removing undesired lipid from the RPE cells and/or Bruch's membrane to facilitate retinal metabolism. In a specific embodiment, the transporters in the RCT system are regulated to improve RCT. In a further specific embodiment, this regulatory aspect of the present invention provides a novel treatment for AMD.

Although there has been discussion in the field regarding mechanisms of lipid accumulation in macula of AMD individuals, the present invention regards efflux of lipid into the circulation, which reduces the amount of lipid in RPE and/or Bruch's membrane. Promotion of this efflux comprises one aspect of the invention and is an effective therapy for both early and late AMD. A skilled artisan recgonizes that early AMD comprises the presence of drusen and late stage AMD comprises visual loss from choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy.

Thus, the present invention provides the novel idea in the field in which reverse cholesterol transport occurs in RPE cells. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods and compositions related to facilitating efflux of cholesterol and/or phospholipids from inside an RPE cell to the outside of the RPE cell, and further through Bruch's membrane. In another specific embodiment, following efflux from Bruch's membrane the cholesterol and/or phospholipids are transported by apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein A1, and other transporters, or a combination thereof, to HDL for removal to the liver.

A skilled artisan recognizes the important role reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays in lipid homeostasis. HDL levels are inversely correlated with incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Tangier's disease, which comprises a mutation of ABCA1, leads to deposition of cholesterol in reticuloendothelial tissues and premature atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the Apo E null mouse is an excellent model of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. Interestingly, supporting an important role of Apo E in RCT, reconstitution of Apo E positive macrophages via bone marrow transplant into an Apo E null mouse prevents atherosclerosis. This occurs in spite of persistent hyperlipidemia.

In one embodiment of the present invention a transporter of lipid from RPE cells is enhanced for the transport activity, such as by an increase in the level of the transporter. Examples of transporters include apo E, ABCA1, SR-BI, SR-BII, ABCA4, ABCG5, ABCG8; other proteins that might be involved are LCAT, CETP, PLTP, LRP receptor, LDL receptor, Lox-1, and lipases. In a specific embodiment, lox-1 and PLTP are expressed in RPE, as demonstrated by RT_PCR. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, ApoA-I is utilized to facilitate RCT from RPE cells. In an additional specific embodiment, ApoA-I is made by RPE cells.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, strategies for intervention for treatment of AMD are provided in which reverse cholesterol transport is enhanced at the level of the RPE by upregulating ApoA-I, ABCA1, Apo E, SR-BI and/or SR-BII expression. SR-B has been reported to be upregulated by 17beta-Estradiol and testosterone. Additionally, or alone, HDL binding to effluxed lipids is enhanced, thereby increasing efflux of lipids from Bruch's membrane into the circulation and providing therapy for AMD. Although the present invention generally regards an increase in ApoA-I, a major lipoprotein component of HDL, in one embodiment, an increase in HDL levels overall is utilized to facilitate lipid efflux from RPE cells and/or Bruch's membrane, and in a specific embodiment, levels of specific subspecies of HDL are utilized to facilitate lipid efflux. For example, effluxed lipids could bind to preβ-HDL, HDL1, HDL2 or HDL3. Effluxed lipids could also bind prebeta-1, prebeta-2, prebeta-3, and/or prebeta-4 HDL. In a specific embodiment, the effluxed lipids bind preferentially to HDL2 that comprises apo E.

One skilled in the art recognizes particular RCT components are present in RPE cells (Mullins et al., 2000; Anderson et al., 2001). Nuclear hormone receptors known to regulate expression of reverse cholesterol transport proteins are also expressed in cultured human RPE. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ligands to at least one of the nuclear hormone receptors upregulates RCT. In further embodiments, following efflux from RPE cells, the lipids bind HDL, so in an embodiment of the present invention there is upregulation of HDL for AMD treatment, such as by statins and/or niacin.

In an alternative embodiment, treatment for AMD comprises reduction of RCT. For example, in individuals past a certain age, such as about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and so on, the transporters are preferentially inhibited. In one aspect of this embodiment, HDL is unable to enter Bruch's membrane to remove the lipids and the RPE continues to efflux lipids. In such cases where effluxed lipids from RPE cannot be removed by a lipoprotein acceptor, lipid efflux by RPE is inhibited to maintain macromolecular transport across Bruch's membrane. Inhibition of RCT by reducing levels of ABCA-1, apo E, and/or SRB-1, or SRB-2 would reduce accumulation of lipid in Bruch's membrane.

In embodiments of the present invention, ligands for nuclear hormone receptors are utilized as compounds for enhancing RCT for the reduction of lipid content of RPE and Bruch's membrane. In a specific embodiment, the nuclear hormone receptor ligands are utilized for treatment of AMD. In a further specific embodiment, the nuclear hormone receptors comprise TR, RXR, and/or LXR. In other specific embodiments, ligands of the nuclear hormone receptors are delivered to at least one RPE cell to facilitate efflux of lipids from the RPE cell and/or are delivered to Bruch's membrane for efflux from Bruch's membrane. Examples of ligands for TR include T3 (3,5,3′-L-triiodothyronine). Other examples of TR ligands include but are not limited to TRIAC (3-triiodothyroacetic acid); KB141 (Karo Bio); GC-1; and 3,5 dimethyl-3-isopropylthyronine. Examples of ligands for RXR include 9 cis-retinoic acid, and other RXR ligands also include but are not limited to: AGN 191659 [(E)-5-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-2-naphthyl)propen-1-yl]-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid]; AGN 191701 [(E) 2-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-2-naphthyl)propen-1-yl]-4-thiophene-carboxylic acid]; AGN 192849 [(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl) (5 carboxypyrid-2-yl)sulfide]; LGD346; LG100268; LG100754; BMS649; and bexaroteneR (Ligand Pharmaceuticals) (4-[1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid). Examples of ligands for LXR include 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol, acetyl-podocarpic dimer, T0901317, and GW3965.

In an embodiment of the present invention, expression of a sequence is monitored following administration of an upregulator of its expression or a compound suspected to be an upregulator. A skilled artisan recognizes how to obtain these sequences, such as commercially from Celera Genomics, Inc. (Rockville, Md.) or from the National Center for Biotechnology Information's GenBank database. Exemplary apo E polynucleotide sequences include the following, cited with their GenBank Accession number: SEQ ID NO:1 (K00396); SEQ ID NO:2 (M10065); and SEQ ID NO:3 (M12529). Some exemplary apo E polypeptide sequences include the following, cited with their GenBank Accession number: SEQ ID NO:4 (AAB59546); SEQ ID NO:5 (AAB59397); and SEQ ID NO:6 (AAB59518).

In other embodiments, sequences of ABCA-1 are utilized, such as to monitor ABCA-1 expression related to methods of the present invention. Some examples of ABCA1 polynucleotides include SEQ ID NO:7 (NM_(—)005502); and SEQ ID NO:8 (AB055982). Some examples of ABCA1 polypeptides include SEQ ID NO:9 (NP_(—)005493); and SEQ ID NO:10 (BAB63210).

In some methods of the present invention, expression levels of sequences of SR-BI and SR-B2 polynucleotides are monitored following administration of a nuclear hormone receptor ligand. An example of SR-BI polynucleotide is SEQ ID NO:11 (NM_(—)005505) and an example of a SR-BI polypeptide is SEQ ID NO:12 (NP_(—)005496).

III. Pharmaceutical Compositions and Routes of Administration

Compositions of the present invention may have an effective amount of a compound for therapeutic administration and, in some embodiments, in combination with an effective amount of a second compound that is also an anti-AMD agent. In a specific embodiment, the compound is a ligand/agonist of a nuclear hormone receptor. In other embodiments, compounds that upregulate expression of HDL are the compounds for therapeutic administration. Such compositions will generally be dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or aqueous medium.

The phrases “pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable” refer to molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an adverse, allergic or other untoward reaction when administered to an animal, or human, as appropriate. As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents and the like. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutical active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredients, its use in the therapeutic compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients, such as other anti-AMD agents, can also be incorporated into the compositions.

In addition to the compounds formulated for parenteral administration, such as intravenous or intramuscular injection, other pharmaceutically acceptable forms include, e.g., tablets or other solids for oral administration; time release capsules; and any other form currently used, including cremes, lotions, mouthwashes, inhalants and the like.

The delivery vehicles of the present invention may include classic pharmaceutical preparations. Administration of these compositions according to the present invention will be via any common route so long as the target ocular tissue is available via that route. This includes oral, nasal, buccal, rectal, vaginal or topical. Alternatively, administration may be by orthotopic, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous injection. Such compositions would normally be administered as pharmaceutically acceptable compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions are administered by sustained release intra- or extra-ocular devices.

The vehicles and therapeutic compounds therein of the present invention are advantageously administered in the form of injectable compositions either as liquid solutions or suspensions; solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid prior to injection also may be prepared. These preparations also may be emulsified. A typical composition for such purposes comprises a 50 mg or up to about 100 mg of human serum albumin per milliliter of phosphate buffered saline. Other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include aqueous solutions, non-toxic excipients, including salts, preservatives, buffers and the like. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oil and injectable organic esters, such as theyloleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, saline solutions, parenteral vehicles such as sodium chloride, Ringer's dextrose, etc. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers. Preservatives include antimicrobial agents, anti-oxidants, chelating agents and inert gases. The pH and exact concentration of the various components in the pharmaceutical are adjusted according to well-known parameters.

Additional formulations are suitable for oral administration. Oral formulations include such typical excipients as, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate and the like. The compositions take the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, pills, capsules, sustained release formulations or powders. When the route is topical, the form may be a cream, ointment, salve or spray.

An effective amount of the therapeutic agent is determined based on the intended goal. The term “unit dose” refers to a physically discrete unit suitable for use in a subject, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of the therapeutic composition calculated to produce the desired response in association with its administration, i.e., the appropriate route and treatment regimen. The quantity to be administered, both according to number of treatments and unit dose, depends on the subject to be treated, the state of the subject and the protection desired. Precise amounts of the therapeutic composition also depend on the judgment of the practitioner and are peculiar to each individual.

All of the essential materials and reagents required for AMD treatment, diagnosis and/or prevention may be assembled together in a kit. When the components of the kit are provided in one or more liquid solutions, the liquid solution preferably is an aqueous solution, with a sterile aqueous solution being particularly preferred.

For in vivo use, an anti-AMD agent may be formulated into a single or separate pharmaceutically acceptable syringeable composition. In this case, the container means may itself be an inhalant, syringe, pipette, eye dropper, or other such like apparatus, from which the formulation may be applied to an infected area of the body, such as the lungs, injected into an animal, or even applied to and mixed with the other components of the kit.

The components of the kit may also be provided in dried or lyophilized forms. When reagents or components are provided as a dried form, reconstitution generally is by the addition of a suitable solvent. It is envisioned that the solvent also may be provided in another container means. The kits of the invention may also include an instruction sheet defining administration of the anti-AMD composition.

The kits of the present invention also will typically include a means for containing the vials in close confinement for commercial sale such as, e.g., injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which the desired vials are retained. Irrespective of the number or type of containers, the kits of the invention also may comprise, or be packaged with, an instrument for assisting with the injection/administration or placement of the ultimate complex composition within the body of an animal. Such an instrument may be an inhalant, syringe, pipette, forceps, measured spoon, eye dropper or any such medically approved delivery vehicle.

The active compounds of the present invention will often be formulated for parenteral administration, e.g. formulated for injection via the intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or even intraperitoneal routes. The preparation of an aqueous composition that contains a second agent(s) as active ingredients will be known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. Typically, such compositions can be prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions; solid forms suitable for using to prepare solutions or suspensions upon the addition of a liquid prior to injection can also be prepared; and the preparations can also be emulsified.

Solutions of the active compounds as free base or pharmacologically acceptable salts can be prepared in water suitably mixed with a surfactant, such as hydroxypropylcellulose. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical forms suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions; formulations including sesame oil, peanut oil or aqueous propylene glycol; and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. In all cases the form must be sterile and must be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

The active compounds may be formulated into a composition in a neutral or salt form. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the protein) and which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, histidine, procaine and the like.

The carrier can also be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and/or antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the active compounds in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the various sterilized active ingredients into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum-drying and freeze-drying techniques which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.

In certain cases, the therapeutic formulations of the invention could also be prepared in forms suitable for topical administration, such as in eye drops, cremes and lotions.

Upon formulation, solutions will be administered in a manner compatible with the dosage formulation and in such amount as is therapeutically effective. The formulations are easily administered in a variety of dosage forms, such as the type of injectable solutions described above, with even drug release capsules and the like being employable.

For parenteral administration in an aqueous solution, for example, the solution should be suitably buffered if necessary and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose. These particular aqueous solutions are especially suitable for intraocular, intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration. In this connection, sterile aqueous media that can be employed will be known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. For example, one dosage could be dissolved in 1 mL of isotonic NaCl solution and either added to 1000 mL of hypodermoclysis fluid or injected at the proposed site of infusion, (see for example, “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” 15th Edition, pages 1035-1038 and 1570-1580). Some variation in dosage will necessarily occur depending on the condition of the subject being treated. The person responsible for administration will, in any event, determine the appropriate dose for the individual subject.

Targeting of ocular tissues may be accomplished in any one of a variety of ways. In one embodiment, there is the use of liposomes to target a compound of the present invention to the eye, and preferably to RPE cells and/or Bruch's membrane. For example, the compound may be complexed with liposomes in the manner described above, and this compound/liposome complex injected into patients with AMD, using intravenous injection to direct the compound to the desired ocular tissue or cell. Directly injecting the liposome complex into the proximity of the RPE or Bruch's membrane can also provide for targeting of the complex with some forms of AMD. In a specific embodiment, the compound is administered via intra-ocular sustained delivery (such as Vitrasert® or Envision® by Bauch and). In a specific embodiment, the compound is delivered by posterior subtenons injection. In another specific embodiment, microemulsion particles with apo E (such as, recombinant) are delivered to ocular tissue to take up lipid from Bruch's membrane, RPE cells, or both.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the best treatment regimens for using compounds of the present invention to treat AMD can be straightforwardly determined. This is not a question of experimentation, but rather one of optimization, which is routinely conducted in the medical arts. In vivo studies in nude mice often provide a starting point from which to begin to optimize the dosage and delivery regimes. The frequency of injection will initially be once a week, as has been done in some mice studies. However, this frequency might be optimally adjusted from one day to every two weeks to monthly, depending upon the results obtained from the initial clinical trials and the needs of a particular patient. Human dosage amounts can initially be determined by extrapolating from the amount of compound used in mice, as a skilled artisan recognizes it is routine in the art to modify the dosage for humans compared to animal models. In certain embodiments it is envisioned that the dosage may vary from between about 1 mg compound/Kg body weight to about 5000 mg compound/Kg body weight; or from about 5 mg/Kg body weight to about 4000 mg/Kg body weight or from about 10 mg/Kg body weight to about 3000 mg/Kg body weight; or from about 50 mg/Kg body weight to about 2000 mg/Kg body weight; or from about 100 mg/Kg body weight to about 1000 mg/Kg body weight; or from about 150 mg/Kg body weight to about 500 mg/Kg body weight. In other embodiments this dose may be about 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1450, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000 mg/Kg body weight. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that higher does may be used, such doses may be in the range of about 5 mg compound/Kg body to about 20 mg compound/Kg body. In other embodiments the doses may be about 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 18 mg/Kg body weight. Of course, this dosage amount may be adjusted upward or downward, as is routinely done in such treatment protocols, depending on the results of the initial clinical trials and the needs of a particular patient.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the ApoA-I composition is comprised as a polynucleotide, utilizing delivery vehicles well known in the art. In other embodiments of the present invention, ApoA-I composition comprises a polypeptide or peptide. Any form may be distributed in a delivery composition, such as a liposome, examples of which are known in the art.

IV. Kits

Any of the compositions described herein may be comprised in a kit. In a non-limiting example, an ApoA-I composition, and in some embodiments, at least one additional agent, may be comprised in a kit. In other embodiments, a lipid transporter such as HDL or a subspecies thereof.

The kits may comprise a suitably aliquoted ApoA-I composition, and/or additional agent compositions of the present invention, whether labeled or unlabeled, as may be used to prepare a standard curve for treatment of macular degeneration, such as AMD. The components of the kits may be packaged in aqueous media or in lyophilized form. When reagents and/or components are provided as a dry powder, the powder can be reconstituted by the addition of a suitable solvent. It is envisioned that the solvent may also be provided in another container means.

Suitable ApoA-I compositions comprise those that are sufficient to upregulate reverse cholesterol transport, those that reduce lipid accumulations in BM or RPE, those that increase efflux of lipids from BM, and/or are sufficient to provide an anti-oxidant therapeutic effect. In preferred embodiments, the ApoA-I compositions are suitable to provide therapy for macular degeneration, such as by ameliorating and/or preventing at least one symptom.

The container means of the kits will generally include at least one vial, test tube, flask, bottle, syringe or other container means, into which a component may be placed, and preferably, suitably aliquoted. Where there are more than one component in the kit, the kit also will generally contain a second, third or other additional container into which the additional components may be separately placed. However, various combinations of components may be comprised in a vial. The kits of the present invention also will typically include a means for containing the nuclear hormone receptor ligand, additional agent, and any other reagent containers in close confinement for commercial sale. Such containers may include injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which the desired vials are retained.

V. Biological Functional Equivalents

As modifications and/or changes may be made in the structure of ApoA-I polypeptides or peptides according to the present invention, while obtaining molecules having similar or improved characteristics, such biologically functional equivalents are also encompassed within the present invention.

A. Modified Polynucleotides and Polypeptides

Although administration of ApoA-I peptides or polypeptides is preferable, in some embodiments the ApoA-I composition is a polynucleotide encoding the desired polypeptide or peptide. The biological functional equivalent may comprise a polynucleotide that has been engineered to contain distinct sequences while at the same time retaining the capacity to encode the “wild-type” or standard protein or other polypeptide or peptide of interest. This can be accomplished to the degeneracy of the genetic code, i.e., the presence of multiple codons, which encode for the same amino acids. In one example, one of skill in the art may wish to introduce a restriction enzyme recognition sequence into a polynucleotide while not disturbing the ability of that polynucleotide to encode a protein.

In another example, a polynucleotide may encode a biological functional equivalent with more significant changes. Certain amino acids may be substituted for other amino acids in a protein structure without appreciable loss of interactive binding capacity with structures such as, for example, antigen-binding regions of antibodies, binding sites on substrate molecules, receptors, and such like. So-called “conservative” changes do not disrupt the biological activity of the protein, as the structural change is not one that impinges of the protein's ability to carry out its designed function. It is thus contemplated by the inventors that various changes may be made in the sequence of genes and proteins disclosed herein, while still fulfilling the goals of the present invention.

In terms of functional equivalents, it is well understood by the skilled artisan that, inherent in the definition of a “biologically functional equivalent” protein and/or polynucleotide, is the concept that there is a limit to the number of changes that may be made within a defined portion of the molecule while retaining a molecule with an acceptable level of equivalent biological activity. Biologically functional equivalents are thus defined herein as those proteins (and polynucleotides) in selected amino acids (or codons) may be substituted. Functional activity, such as the ability to bind lipids, is preferably retained in any natural or synthetic ApoA-I polypeptide or peptide.

In general, the shorter the length of the molecule, the fewer changes that can be made within the molecule while retaining function. Longer domains may have an intermediate number of changes. The full-length protein will have the most tolerance for a larger number of changes. However, it must be appreciated that certain molecules or domains that are highly dependent upon their structure may tolerate little or no modification.

Amino acid substitutions are generally based on the relative similarity of the amino acid side-chain substituents, for example, their hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, charge, size, and/or the like. An analysis of the size, shape and/or type of the amino acid side-chain substituents reveals that arginine, lysine and/or histidine are all positively charged residues; that alanine, glycine and/or serine are all a similar size; and/or that phenylalanine, tryptophan and/or tyrosine all have a generally similar shape. Therefore, based upon these considerations, arginine, lysine and/or histidine; alanine, glycine and/or serine; and/or phenylalanine, tryptophan and/or tyrosine; are defined herein as biologically functional equivalents.

To effect more quantitative changes, the hydropathic index of amino acids may be considered. Each amino acid has been assigned a hydropathic index on the basis of their hydrophobicity and/or charge characteristics, these are: isoleucine (+4.5); valine (+4.2); leucine (+3.8); phenylalanine (+2.8); cysteine/cystine (+2.5); methionine (+1.9); alanine (+1.8); glycine (−0.4); threonine (−0.7); serine (−0.8); tryptophan (−0.9); tyrosine (−1.3); proline (−1.6); histidine (−3.2); glutamate (−3.5); glutamine (−3.5); aspartate (−3.5); asparagine (−3.5); lysine (−3.9); and/or arginine (−4.5).

The importance of the hydropathic amino acid index in conferring interactive biological function on a protein is generally understood in the art (Kyte and Doolittle, 1982, incorporated herein by reference). It is known that certain amino acids may be substituted for other amino acids having a similar hydropathic index and/or score and/or still retain a similar biological activity. In making changes based upon the hydropathic index, the substitution of amino acids whose hydropathic indices are within ±2 is preferred, those which are within ±1 are particularly preferred, and/or those within ±0.5 are even more particularly preferred.

It also is understood in the art that the substitution of like amino acids can be made effectively on the basis of hydrophilicity, particularly where the biological functional equivalent protein and/or peptide thereby created is intended for use in immunological embodiments, as in certain embodiments of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,101, incorporated herein by reference, states that the greatest local average hydrophilicity of a protein, as governed by the hydrophilicity of its adjacent amino acids, correlates with its immunogenicity and/or antigenicity, i.e., with a biological property of the protein.

As detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,101, the following hydrophilicity values have been assigned to amino acid residues: arginine (+3.0); lysine (+3.0); aspartate (+3.0±1); glutamate (+3.0±1); serine (+0.3); asparagine (+0.2); glutamine (+0.2); glycine (0); threonine (−0.4); proline (−0.5±1); alanine (−0.5); histidine (−0.5); cysteine (−1.0); methionine (−1.3); valine (−1.5); leucine (−1.8); isoleucine (−1.8); tyrosine (−2.3); phenylalanine (−2.5); tryptophan (−3.4). In making changes based upon similar hydrophilicity values, the substitution of amino acids whose hydrophilicity values are within ±2 is preferred, those which are within ±1 are particularly preferred, and/or those within ±0.5 are even more particularly preferred.

B. Altered Amino Acids

The present invention, in some aspects, may rely on the synthesis of peptides and polypeptides in cyto, via transcription and translation of appropriate polynucleotides. In alternative embodiments, the polypeptide or peptide is synthesized outside a cell, such as chemically. These peptides and polypeptides may include the twenty “natural” amino acids, and, in some embodiments, post-translational modifications thereof. However, in vitro peptide synthesis permits the use of modified and/or unusual amino acids. A table of exemplary, but not limiting, modified and/or unusual amino acids is provided herein below.

TABLE 1 Modified and/or Unusual Amino Acids Abbr. Amino Acid Abbr. Amino Acid Aad 2-Aminoadipic acid EtAsn N-Ethylasparagine BAad 3-Aminoadipic acid Hyl Hydroxylysine BAla beta-alanine, beta-Amino- AHyl allo-Hydroxylysine propionic acid Abu 2-Aminobutyric acid 3Hyp 3-Hydroxyproline 4Abu 4-Aminobutyric acid, 4Hyp 4-Hydroxyproline piperidinic acid Acp 6-Aminocaproic acid Ide Isodesmosine Ahe 2-Aminoheptanoic acid Aile allo-Isoleucine Aib 2-Aminoisobutyric acid MeGly N-Methylglycine, sarcosine BAib 3-Aminoisobutyric acid MeIle N-Methylisoleucine Apm 2-Aminopimelic acid MeLys 6-N-Methyllysine Dbu 2,4-Diaminobutyric acid MeVal N-Methylvaline Des Desmosine Nva Norvaline Dpm 2,2′-Diaminopimelic acid Nle Norleucine Dpr 2,3-Diaminopropionic acid Orn Ornithine EtGly N-Ethylglycine

C. Mimetics

In addition to the biological functional equivalents discussed above, the present inventors also contemplate that structurally similar compounds may be formulated to mimic the key portions of peptide or polypeptides of the present invention. Such compounds, which may be termed peptidomimetics, may be used in the same manner as the peptides of the invention and, hence, also are functional equivalents. In a specific embodiment, the key portion comprises lipid binding activity.

Certain mimetics that mimic elements of protein secondary and tertiary structure are described in Johnson et al. (1993). The underlying rationale behind the use of peptide mimetics is that the peptide backbone of proteins exists chiefly to orient amino acid side chains in such a way as to facilitate molecular interactions, such as those of antibody and/or antigen. A peptide mimetic is thus designed to permit molecular interactions similar to the natural molecule.

Some successful applications of the peptide mimetic concept have focused on mimetics of β-turns within proteins, which are known to be highly antigenic. Likely β-turn structure within a polypeptide can be predicted by computer-based algorithms, as discussed herein. Once the component amino acids of the turn are determined, mimetics can be constructed to achieve a similar spatial orientation of the essential elements of the amino acid side chains.

Other approaches have focused on the use of small, multidisulfide-containing proteins as attractive structural templates for producing biologically active conformations that mimic the binding sites of large proteins. Vita et al. (1998). A structural motif that appears to be evolutionarily conserved in certain toxins is small (30-40 amino acids), stable, and high permissive for mutation. This motif is composed of a beta sheet and an alpha helix bridged in the interior core by three disulfides.

Beta II turns have been mimicked successfully using cyclic L-pentapeptides and those with D-amino acids. Weisshoff et al. (1999). Also, Johannesson et al. (1999) report on bicyclic tripeptides with reverse turn inducing properties.

Methods for generating specific structures have been disclosed in the art. For example, alpha-helix mimetics are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,446,128; 5,710,245; 5,840,833; and 5,859,184. Theses structures render the peptide or protein more thermally stable, also increase resistance to proteolytic degradation. Six, seven, eleven, twelve, thirteen and fourteen membered ring structures are disclosed.

Methods for generating conformationally restricted beta turns and beta bulges are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,440,013; 5,618,914; and 5,670,155. Beta-turns permit changed side substituents without having changes in corresponding backbone conformation, and have appropriate termini for incorporation into peptides by standard synthesis procedures. Other types of mimetic turns include reverse and gamma turns. Reverse turn mimetics are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,475,085 and 5,929,237, and gamma turn mimetics are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,681 and 5,674,976.

EXAMPLES

The following is an illustration of preferred embodiments for practicing the present invention. However, they are not limiting examples. Other examples and methods are possible in practicing the present invention.

Example 1 Materials and Methods Cell Culture and Drug Treatments

Primary cultures of normal human RPE cells from passages 5 to 10 were used for the experiments described. RPE cells were grown to confluence on laminin-coated 6 well Transwell tissue culture plates (Costar) with DMEM-H21 containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 50 μg/ml gentamicin and 2.5 mg/ml fungizone in the top and bottom chambers. For immunofluorescent staining cells were grown on laminin coated slides in the same medium. Cells were grown for at least 1 week at confluence prior to drug treatment. Cells to be treated with drugs were incubated in serum free DMEM-H21 prior to drug addition. Drug treatments were in serum free DMEM-H21 with or without 10⁻⁷ M thyroid hormone (T₃), 2.5×10⁻⁶ M 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol, or 10⁻⁷ M cis retinoic acid in both chambers for 36 hours.

RT-PCR

Confluent cell cultures were harvested and total RNA was purified using RNAzol (Teltest, Inc., Friendswood, Tex.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Equal amounts of purified RNA were used in each reaction as templates for cDNA synthesis using the 1st Strand Synthesis Kit for RT-PCR (AMV) (Boehringer, Indianapolis, Ind.). RT-PCR was carried out on 1 μg of cDNA with Amplitaq Taq polymerase (Perkin-Elmer, Branchburg, N.J.). In some experiments apo E RT-PCR products were quantified using the QuantumRNA assay kit according to the manufacturer's instructions (Ambion, Austin, Tex.). Briefly, 18S rRNA and apo E cDNAs are simultaneously amplified in each reaction. The RT-PCR products are resolved by electrophoresis on 1.4% agarose gels. The apo E mRNA expression is assessed relative to the internal 18S rRNA expression by densitometric analysis of photographed agarose gels.

RT-PCR primers specific to human apo E, ABCA1, SR-BI, SR-BII, and lxr α were used. The RT-PCR product of the predicted sizes for the apo E, ABCA1, SR-BI, and SR-BII RT-PCR products were excised form the gel and their identities were confirmed by DNA sequencing (not shown).

Immunofluoresence Microscopy

RPE cells, grown on slides, were σταινεδ with either antisera to ABCA1, or with purified antibodies to SR-BI or SR-BII. Cells were fixed in ice cold 100% MeOH for 20 min. All subsequent steps were performed at room temperature. Cells were washed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and incubated for in 5% goat serum in PBS for 30 min. Cells were then washed in buffer A (150 mM NaCl, 10 mM phosphate, pH 7.8) and incubated with the primary antibody in buffer A for 45 min. After washing with buffer A the cells were incubated in Avidin Blocking Reagent (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) for 15 min, washed in buffer A again and incubated in Biotin Blocking Reagent (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) for 15 min. After washing in buffer A, cells were incubated in 10 μg/ml biotinylated goat anti-rabbit IgG (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) in buffer A for 30 min, washed in buffer A and incubated in 20 μg/ml fluorescein conjugated avidin D (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) in buffer B (150 mM NaCl, 100 mM sodium bicarbonate, pH 8.5) for 30 min. The cells were washed in buffer B and a cover slip was added to each slide, over a few drops of Vectashield (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.). The slides were stored in the dark until ready for microscopic examination.

Apo E Western Blotting

Cells were treated with Media was concentrated 20-fold by centrifugal ultrafiltration (VIVA SPIN 20, MCO 5,000, Viva Sciences, Hannover, Germany), dialyzed against 0.15M NaCl, 1 mM sodium EDTA, 0.025% sodium azide (SalEN). Total protein content was determined by a modified Lowry assay (Bio-Rad DC kit, Richmond, Calif.). Concentrated media (50 μg protein) was made to Start Buffer (0.025 M NaCl, 0.010 M tris (pH 8.5), 5 mM MnCl₂) and adsorbed onto a 0.1 ml column containing Heparin-Sepharose CL-4B (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). Following a 2 ml wash in Start Buffer, the apo E containing bound fraction was eluted with 0.5M NaCl in Start buffer. The eluate was concentrated to 20 μl and buffer-exchanged to SalEN by centrifugal ultrafiltration (Biomax, 5k MCO, Millipore, Bedford, Mass.). Apo E was resolved by tris-tricine buffered SDS-PAGE (5-25% linear acrylamide gradient) and proteins electrophoetically transferred (55V, 18 h) to nitrocelluose membrane filters (Schleicher and Shuell, Keen, N.H.). Membranes were blocked with 10% bovine serum albumin at room temperature and probed with 1% goat anti-human apo E antiserum (18 h, 3° C.) prepared in 0.15% NaCl, 1 mM EDTA (pH 7.4), 0.1% Triton X-100 (SalET). The primary-bound anti-apo E antibodies were detected calorimetrically with horseradish peroxidase conjugated rabbit anti-goat Ig (H+L) and NiCl₂-enhanced diaminobenzine staining. Stained bands were compared densitometrically from the digitized scanned image (NIH Image, v. 1.62). Anti apo E antibodies were obtained by hyper-immunization of goats with purified apo E or obtained from Assay Designs (A299, Ann Arbor, Mich.).

Lipoprotein fractions were prepared from conditioned media that was adjusted with solid KBr to a density of 1.21 g/ml. Samples were ultracentrifuged in a Beckman 42.2 Ti rotor at 40,000 rpm for 18 h at 1° C. The lipoprotein and lipoprotein-free fractions, the top and bottom 50 μl, respectively, were dialysed against SalEN prior to analysis.

[¹⁴C] Docosohexanoic Acid (DHA) Labeled POS Uptake and Transport

Bovine outer photoreceptor outer segments (POS) were labeled by incubating for with Coenzyme A, ATP, Mg²⁺, and [¹⁴C]-DHA. Cells grown on laminin coated Transwell plates were incubated with 12 μg/ml labeled POS in the apical chamber for 36 hours in medium containing 10% lipoprotein deficient fetal bovine serum. The basal medium was subjected to scintillation counting to determine the amount of [¹⁴C] labeled lipids transported through the RPE cells.

Identification of Acceptors for Exported ¹⁴C Lipids

Bovine outer photoreceptor outer segments (POS) were labeled by incubating for with Coenzyme A, ATP, Mg²⁺, and [¹⁴C]-DHA. Cells grown on laminin coated Transwell plates were incubated with 12 μg/ml labeled POS in the apical chamber for 36 hours in medium containing 10% lipoprotein deficient fetal bovine serum. The basal chambers contained either 1 mg/ml human HDL, 1 mg/ml human LDL or 100% human plasma. The basal medium was collected and lipoproteins were repurified from by potassium bromide density gradient centrifugation at d=1.21 g/ml (Beckman 42.2 Ti rotor, 40,000 rpm, 18 h, 10° C.), dialyzed, and resolved by size in nondenaturing 0-35% PAGE. Gels were stained with coomassie blue R-250. Gel lanes were sectioned into thirty 2 mm slices that were digested (TS-1, Research Products International) and radioactivity quantified by liquid scintillation spectrometry.

Example 2 Expression of Transporters in RPE Cells

One skilled in the art recognizes that certain RCT components in cultured human RPE cells have been demonstrated (Mullins et al., 2000; Anderson et al., 2001). Nuclear hormone receptors known to regulate expression of reverse cholesterol transport proteins are also expressed in cultured human RPE.

A skilled artisan recognizes that there is expression of TRs and RXRs in RPE cells in culture (Duncan et al., 1999). RT-PCR of human RPE cell cDNA revealed that these cells also express mRNAs for apo E, ABCA1, SR-BI, SR-BII and lxr α. As shown in FIG. 1 lane 1, FIG. 1 lane 2 and FIG. 1 lane 3, RPE cells express mRNAs for apo E, ABCA1 and lxr α, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, lane 1, and FIG. 2, lane 2, RPE cells express mRNA for SR-BI and SR-BII respectively.

Furthermore, in immunofluoresence microscopy experiments, RPE cells stain strongly for SR-BI (FIG. 3A) and SR-BII (FIG. 3B). Control non-specific IgG or antibody vehicle did not stain RPE cells (FIGS. 3C and 3D, respectively). Expression of SR-BI and SR-BII in these cells was confirmed by PCR.

Expression of ABCA1 protein was demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining of RPE cells with an antibody to ABCA1 (FIG. 4). Cell nuclei were stained with DAPI.

Example 3 Regulation of Apo E Secretion in RPE Cells

In order to distinguish apical (A) from basally (B) secreted apo E, RPE cells were cultured on laminin-coated Transwell plates. Specifically, human cultured RPE (passage 2-10, 35 y.o. donor) were placed on laminin-coated Transwell plates, wherein the upper and lower wells both had serum-free media. Total protein and apo E-specific protein concentrations were measured from media pooled and concentrated from 3-6 replicate wells. To assess apo E-specific secretion, apo E was purified from conditioned media by heparin-sepharose affinity chromatography and visualized by western blotting. Apo E concentrations were consistently greater in the basolateral media (FIG. 5, lane 1 vs. lane 2). These data demonstrate that RPE cells display polarized secretion of cellular proteins, including apo E. Thus, this indicated that Apo E is preferentially secreted basally, supporting its role in RCT.

Since RPE cells express lxr α as well as thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and retinoid-X-receptors (RXRs), the effect of 10⁻⁷ M T3, 2.5×10⁻⁶ M 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol (HC) (an lxr ααagonist), or 10⁻⁷ M cis retinoic acid (cRA) (an RXR agonist) on apo E secretion from RPE cells was tested. FIG. 6 illustrates the same experimental procedure as described above, but with basal and apical media both containing the following compounds for a 36 hour incubation: T3 (10⁻⁷) M (T); 9 cis-RA (10⁻⁶) M (RA); and 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol 2.5 (10⁻⁶) M (HC). The basal media was analyzed for Apo E expression with Western blot, and the results showed increased basal expression of Apo E with the compound treatments. Thus, as before, polarized apo E secretion was observed and, in this case, occurred in the presence of T3, HC or cRA, indicating that an increase in levels of basally secreted apo E is the result of administration of these compounds to RPE cells.

Example 4 Assay of Efflux from RPE Cells

This example characterizes efflux of POS residues from RPE cells, particularly regarding binding to HDL. Giusto et al. (1986) describes a method of ¹⁴C decoshexanoic acid (DHA) labeling of bovine photoreceptor outer segment (POS) lipids. Generally, an approximately 36 hour incubation over human RPE cells wherein the basal medium contains plasma, HDL, or LDL is followed by centrifugation of the basal media to collect lipoprotein fraction, which is then analyzed to determine distribution of radioactivity.

Specifically, bovine photoreceptor outer segment (POS) are labeled with ¹⁴C decoshexanoic acid (DHA) and placed in lipoprotein deficient media. Following this, they are placed over cultured human RPE on Transwell plates for 36 hours, and the basal medium contained either 100% plasma, HDL (1 mg/cc) or LDL (1 mg/cc). After 36 hours, basal media was centrifuged to collect lipoprotein fraction (density 1.2). This fraction was then run on a non-denaturing gel and stained with Coomassie blue. FIG. 7 shows LDL and HDL fractions, both separately and together in plasma (PL). The PL fraction contains the same amount of HDL and LDL as each of the separated fractions (HDL, LDL).

The PA gel was cut into about 1 mm pieces, and the radioactivity distribution was determined (FIG. 8). With either LDL or HDL alone, counts were observed over respective lipoprotein fractions. When both LDL and HDL in plasma are present, counts localize preferentially over HDL fraction. This indicates that following phagocytosis of POS by RPE, POS residues are effluxed and preferentially bound by HDL. This is a novel demonstration illustrating that RCT to an HDL acceptor occurs in RPE cells.

To characterize the lipids in the lipoprotein fraction, thin layer chromatography was performed. Acid charring was used to identify lipid containing spots. The spots were scraped off of the plate and ¹⁴C was quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Six of 17 ¹⁴C-containing spots were identified with standards shown (FIG. 9). Eleven ¹⁴C-containing spots bound to HDL remain unidentified and could be unique serum marker(s) for patients with early AMD.

Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, a patient sample is obtained, such as by drawing blood, and the HDL is examined for bound POS residues. From this, a determination of their risk of visual loss from AMD is made. In a specific embodiment, the profile of bound POS residues is indicative of identifying an individual afflicted with ocular disease and/or of identifying an individual at risk for developing an ocular disease.

Example 5 Modulation of RCT by Compound Administration

This experiment determines whether compound administration can upregulate efflux of labeled POS residues to HDL, particularly by showing regulation of ¹⁴C-DHA labeled POS efflux into basal media. An assay similar to that described in Example 4 is utilized; however, in this Example the cells were treated with T3, 9 cis-retinoic acid, and 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol in the concentrations described above for 36 hours. Total radioactivity (cpm) in the absence of HDL purification was determined by liquid scintillation counting of the basal media. FIG. 10 indicates that compound treatments increase RCT by cultured human RPE cells.

Specifically, cells were grown for 1 to 2 weeks at confluence on Transwell plates. ¹⁴C-labeled POS (30 mg/ml) were added to the apical medium. The apical and basal medium comprised either 10⁻⁷ M T3, 2.5×10⁻⁵ M 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol, or 10⁻⁷ M cis retinoic acid. The basal medium contained 1 mg/ml HDL. After 36 hours the basal medium was collected and ¹⁴C counts were determined by scintillation counting. As stated, all of the compound treatments increased transport of ¹⁴C-labeled POS to the basal medium.

The effect of T3 on Apo E mRNA levels was also assessed by RT-PCR. Treatment with 10⁻⁷ M T3 resulted in a 1.5 to 2-fold increase in apo E mRNA levels, suggesting that T3 is acting, at least in part, to increase apo E levels at the mRNA level. In specific embodiments, administration of 9 cis-retinoic acid and 22 (R) hydroxycholesterol similarly upregulates expression of apo E.

Thus, in a specific embodiment, RCT is regulated via nuclear hormone receptor ligands. For example, ABCA1 expression is upregulated by binding of LXR and RXR agonists to their respective nuclear hormone receptors (FIG. 11). Since these receptors form heterodimers bound to the ABCA1 promoter, ligand binding increases expression of ABCA1 and, hence, RCT.

Example 6 Identification of HDL as Lipid Acceptor from RPE Cells

In the presence of added purified human LDL and HDL, radiolabeled lipid efflux is enhanced (FIG. 12). As shown graphically, efflux (bottoms in graph) was greatly enhanced by the presence of plasma (PL in graph), HDL or LDL, as compared to no addition to the bottom medium (left side of graph).

As shown in FIG. 8, when whole human EDTA-plasma is employed and lipoproteins are isolated, [¹⁴C]-labeled lipids are incorporated into LDL and HDL. However, radiolabel preferentially associated with HDL. Furthermore, the radiolabel in HDL was localized to the larger HDL 2 subspecies, which include the HDL particles enriched in apo E. This result suggests that lipid efflux from RPE is enhanced by the apo E—containing HDL.

Example 7 Reduction of BM Lipids Via Scavenger Receptors (SRS)

Scavenger receptors in macrophages function to phagocytose oxLDL molecules. There are types of SRs previously described in macrophages including SR-A1, SR-A2, SR-B1, SR-B2, CD36, and LOX. SRs are distinct from LDL receptors in that levels of expression for SRs are upregulated by oxLDL. This upregulation by intracellular oxLDL levels is modulated by nuclear hormone receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) and retinoic acid X receptor (RXR), that exert transcriptional control of CD36 expression. Because the earliest lesion of AS, the fatty streak, consists of macrophages engulfed with excessive oxLDL, and because RPE cells similarly become filled with lipid inclusions in AMD, SR expression was studied in RPE cells. Expression of the following SRs in RPE cells was identified: CD36 (confirmation of previous investigators), SR-A1, SR-A2 (both first time demonstrated in RPE), SR-B1, SR-B2 (both first time demonstrated in RPE).

The inventors have also shown that, like macrophages, oxLDL upregulates expression of CD36 in RPE cells (FIG. 13). Additionally, RPE cells express the nuclear hormone receptors, PPAR and RXR, indicating control mechanisms for SR expression are analogous between the cell types. Thus, in specific embodiments the expression of RPE SRs in patients is controlled with PPAR and RXR ligands (e.g. PG-J2, thiazolidinediones, cis-retinoic acid). This controls the rate at which RPE cells phagocytose oxidized photoreceptor outer segments, and hence slows the rate at which abnormal lipid inclusions accumulate in RPE and BM. In other specific embodiments, expression of CD36 is downregulated with a composition such as tamoxifen, TGF-beta or INF-gamma. Similarly, regulating expression of other RPE SRs would control levels of lipids in both RPE and BM. For example, for SR-A regulation IGF-1, TGF-beta, EGF, and/or PDGF is used, and for SR-B regulation cAMP and/or estradiol (for upregulation) or TNF-alpha, LPS, and/or INF-gamma (for downregulation) is used.

Example 8 HDL Increases ¹⁴C Lipid Efflux from RPE Cells Preferentially to Other Lipoproteins

Transcription of the apo E gene is regulated by liver-X-receptor alpha (LXR α) that acts as heterodimers with retinoid-X-receptor alpha (RXR α) (Mak et al., 2002). The inventors have previously shown that RPE cells express T₃ receptors (TRs) that also act as heterodimers with RXR α (Duncan et al., 1999). The inventors and others, have demonstrated that primary cultures of RPE cells express mRNA for lxr α, RXR α, apo E, and other proteins involved in regulation of lipid and cholesterol uptake, metabolism and efflux (summarized herein). In this Example, the inventors show that apo E secreted by primary cultures of RPE cells can be up-regulated by thyroid hormone (T₃), 22(R) hydroxycholesterol (HC), and cis retinoic acid (RA). The inventors also demonstrated that a high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction rich in apo E is a preferential acceptor for labeled POS lipids.

As shown in Table II, the present inventors and other investigators have identified mRNAs for the proteins involved in regulating lipid and cholesterol uptake, metabolism and efflux. The cells used in the experiments described below express only the apo E3 allele (E3/E3).

TABLE II Agents involved in regulating lipid and cholesterol uptake, metabolism, and efflux TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS LIGANDS TR α1 Thyroid hormone Receptor alpha1 T₃ TR α2 Thyroid hormone Receptor alpha 2 T₃ TR β 1 Thyroid hormone Receptor beta1 T₃ RXR α Retinoid-X Receptor alpha Retinoic Acid RXR β Retinoid-X Receptor beta Retinoic Acid PPAR γ Peroxisome Proliferator Oxidized lipids Activator Receptor gamma Lxr α Liver-X Receptor alpha Oxysterols CELL SURFACE RECEPTORS LIGANDS SR-BI Scavenger Receptor BI Oxidized Lipids SR-BII Scavenger Receptor BII Oxidized Lipids SR-AI Scavenger Receptor AI Oxidized Lipoproteins SR-AII Scavenger Receptor AII Oxidized Lipoproteins Lox-1 Lectin-like Oxidized LDL receptor 1 Oxidized Lipoproteins CHOLESTEROL/LIPID TRANSPORT AND METABOLISM FUNCTIONS SR-BI Scavenger Receptor BI Reverse Cholesterol Transport SR-BII Scavenger Receptor BII Reverse Cholesterol Transport ABCA1 ATP Binding Cassette Protein A1 Reverse Cholesterol Transport ACAT1 Acyl-CoA Cholesterol Cholesterol Acylation Acyltransferase 1 Apo E Apolipoprotein E Cholesterol/Lipid Trafficking

As shown qualitatively in FIG. 6, T₃ (TR agonist), RA (RXR agonist), HC (LXR agonist) stimulate basal apo E secretion. As previously indicated, RPE cells were treated for 36 hours on Transwell® plates with serum free DMEM in upper and lower chambers+/−the drugs indicated. Control (C) refers to no drug addition; T refers to 10⁻⁷ M T₃; RA refers to 10⁻⁷ M cis retinoic acid; and HC refers to 2.5×10⁻⁶ M 22(R) hydroxycholesterol. Basal media from 3 wells were combined, concentrated, and apo E was detected by western blotting.

As shown quantitatively in FIG. 14, TR, LXR and RXR agonists upregulate apo E secretion alone and in combination, as assessed by ELISA assays. RPE cells were treated for 36 hours on Transwell® plates with serum free DMEM+/−the drugs indicated. Control refers to no drug addition, T refers to 10⁻⁷ M T₃; HC refers to 2.5×10⁻⁶ M 22(R) hydroxycholesterol; RA refers to 10⁻⁷ M cis retinoic acid. N=6, * indicates p≦0.05 (two-tailed t-test) compared to Control.

As shown in FIG. 15, apo E secreted from RPE cells binds to HDL. RPE cells on Transwell® plates were grown in DMEM with 5% FBS for 36 hours (apical chamber). Basal chambers had serum free DMEM with either 200, 50, or 0 μg/ml mouse HDL (lanes 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Lane 1 illustrates molecular weight markers. HDL was purified by ultracentrifugation, resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and human apo E was identified by western blotting.

As shown in FIG. 16, HDL stimulates POS lipid efflux from RPE cells in culture. RPE cells on Transwell® plates were fed ¹⁴C labeled POS in DMEM with 5% FBS for 36 hours (apical chamber). Basal chambers had serum free DMEM. Both upper and lower media contained either no addition (Control), 10% human plasma, 100 μg/ml HDL, 1000 μg/ml LDL or 50 μg/ml HDL+500 μg/ml LDL as indicated. FIG. 16 left: Basal ¹⁴C cpm/130 μl. N=3, * indicates p≦0.05 (two-tailed t-test) compared to Control. FIG. 16 right: Lipoproteins were purified by ultracentrifugation, dialyzed to remove soluble ¹⁴C, and counted.

As shown in FIG. 8, ¹⁴C labeled POS lipids preferentially bind to apo E containing high molecular weight HDL (HDL3). ¹⁴C labeled lipoproteins from the lower chamber were purified by ultracentrifugation and resolved on native polyacrylamide gels.

Characterization of HDL and plasma bound POS lipids was made by thin layer chromatography, as shown in FIG. 17. ¹⁴C labeled lipoproteins from the lower chamber were purified by ultracentrifugation, and lipids were resolved by thin layer chromatography followed by acid charring.

As shown in FIG. 18, six spots in HDL and plasma were tentatively identified; at least 11 other spots are not yet identified. Spots identified by charring were cut out and ¹⁴C cpm determined by liquid scintillation counting.

Example 9 Exemplary Methods and Materials for Example 8 Cell Culture

Primary cultures of normal human RPE cells were prepared from a 35 year old donor eye as described (Song and Lui, 1990). Cells from passages 4 to 10 were used. RPE cells were grown on laminin-coated tissue culture plates, or on laminin coated 0.4 μM cellulose acetate Transwell® dishes (Costar) in DMEM H21 containing 5-10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 2 mM glutamine, 5 μg/ml gentamycin, 100 IU/ml penicillin, 100 mg/ml streptomycin, 2.5 mg/ml fungizone, 1 ng/ml bFGF, and 1 ng/ml EGF. Where indicated, FBS was substituted with: 6 g/L NEAA, 0.39 g/L methylcellulose (serum free medium). No differences in cell morphology or protein expression were observed in cultures from different passages. RPE cells were grown at confluence for at least 14 days prior to undergoing the experimental treatments described below.

RT-PCR

RT-PCR was carried out on 1 μg of cDNA. The RT-PCR products are resolved by electrophoresis on 1.4% agarose gels. The RT-PCR primer sequences used are given followed by the predicted apo E RT-PCR product size. apo E forward: 5′-TAA GCT TGG CAC GGC TGT CCA AGG A (SEQ ID NO:13); apo E reverse: 5′-ACA GAA TTC GCC CCG GCC TGG TAC AC (SEQ ID NO:14); 241 bp product (detects both apo E3 and apo E4). PCR was conducted for 20-30 cycles at 55° C. in buffer containing 2.0-5.0 mM MgCl₂. The RT-PCR product of the predicted size for apo E had its identity confirmed by DNA sequencing. Only the apo E3 mRNA sequence was detected. Messenger RNAs for the other proteins listed in the Table II were identified using similar strategies with primers specific to each cDNA.

Western Blotting

Briefly, media was concentrated 20-fold by centrifugal ultrafiltration (VIVA SPIN 20, MCO 5,000; Viva Sciences). Concentrated media (20 μg protein) was purified over Heparin-Sepharose CL-4B. The apo E containing (bound) fraction was eluted and re-concentrated to 20 μl. Apo E was resolved by 5-25% linear gradient SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and proteins were electrophoretically transferred to nitrocelluose. Membranes were blocked with 10% BSA and probed with 1% goat anti-human apo E antiserum. Apo E antibodies were detected colorimetrically with horseradish peroxidase conjugated rabbit anti-goat IgG and NiCl₂-enhanced diaminobenzine staining.

ELISA Assay

Media samples treated with 0.1% Tween-20 containing 1% bovine serum albumin were incubated (37° C., 4 h) in 96-well plates previously coated with apo E-affinity purified goat anti-apo E antibody. Apo E was detected using a secondary antibody-peroxidase conjugate and 3.3.5.5′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMB) substrate. Optical density was measured at 450 nm. The assay was calibrated with purified plasma apo E. The dynamic range of the assay was 1-40 ng/ml apo E with a CV<5%.

POS Lipid Transport and Lipoprotein Gel Analysis

Briefly, purified POS lipids were labeled with ¹⁴C docosohexanoic acid as described (Guisto et al., 1986). Twenty μg/ml (protein) of POS were added to the top chambers of 6 well Transwell® plates. The bottom chambers contained serum free medium with or without human high density lipoprotein (HDL), human low density lipoprotein (LDL), or human plasma in the amounts indicated. After 36 hours, cell culture medium was harvested from the bottom chambers, adjusted to a density of 1.25 g/ml with solid potassium bromide and underlayed over a KBr solution of d=1.21. Samples were ultracentrifuged (Beckman 50.2Ti, 45,000 rpm, 10° C.) for 20 hours. The top (lipoprotein) layer was removed, dialyzed, and subjected to non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. The gels were stained with Coomassie Blue and photographed, after which 2 mM slices were subjected to scintillation counting.

Thin Layer Chromatography

Lipoprotein samples were extracted for lipid by the method of Bligh-Dyer, which is well known in the art. Lipids were resolved by silica gel K6 thin layer chromtography using sequential developments in Solvent 1: chloroform/methanol/acetic acid/water (25:15:4:2) and Solvent 2: n-hexane/diethylether/acetic acid (65:35:2). Lipid species were detected by acid charring, plates were immersed in 7.5% copper acetate, 2.5% copper sulfate, 8% phosphoric acid and heated on a hot plate for 1 hour. ¹⁴C radioactivity was measured by liquid scintillation counting in standard methods known in the art.

Example 10 APOA-I Delivery to Increase Reverse Cholesterol Transport

The present inventors have shown that HDL is a preferred cholesterol and phospholipids acceptor for lipids effluxed by cultured human RPE. In aging BM, there is progressive accumulation of lipid and cross-linked protein that impedes hydraulic conductivity and macromolecular permeability. This abnormal deposition may also impair the ability of some larger molecular weight species of HDL to act as a lipoprotein acceptor. As HDL is unable to pass through BM and promote efflux and bind effluxed lipids, more lipids would accumulate in both RPE and BM. Indeed such accumulations are a major finding in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-I) is the major lipoprotein component of HDL. It has a mass of approximately 28 kDaltons. ApoA-I bound to phospholipids comprises nascent HDL particles that bind to ABCA1 on the RPE basal membrane and promote lipid efflux. Because of ApoA-I's low molecular weight, it can penetrate an aged BM more easily than larger molecular weight species of HDL to bind to the RPE. In addition to it role in promoting reverse cholesterol transport from RPE, ApoA-I also in a potent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants have been established to reduce visual loss in patients with AMD.

Several methods are used to increase ApoA-I delivery to RPE as a treatment for AMD:

1. ApoA-I is administered intravenously as has been done in mouse models of atherosclerosis and in patients with coronary artery disease.

2. ApoA-I, which is normally comprised on L-amino acids, can be administered as an ApoA-I mimetic peptide consisting of D-amino acids. The D-amino acid based ApoA-I mimetic peptide is not recognized as readily by human proteases, and thus can be administered orally. This would be more convenient than parenteral administration with an intravenous formulation containing the L-amino acid ApoA-I or its mimetic peptide.

3. Oral synthetic phospholipid (1,2 Dimyristoyl-α-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DMPC) increases levels of circulating ApoA-I.

By way of example, patients with AMD (atrophic or exudative) are administered either intravenous ApoA-I, ApoA-I mimetic peptide, or DMPC to increase levels of circulating ApoA-I. Administration could occur as frequent as daily or less frequently as in every other month depending on the method of administration and the clinical response.

Apo A-I mimetic peptides may be synthesized according to standard methods in the art, and in some embodiments one or more amino acids in the peptide are the D-stereoisomer. Methods to synthesize mimetic peptides are known in the art, including those described in de Beer, M. C., et al. (2001) and Matz and Jonas, 1982.

The peptides are based on the sequence Ac-D-W-L-K-A-F-Y-D-K-V-A-E-K-L-K-E-A-F-NH₂ (Ac-18A-NH2 or 2F) (SEQ ID NO:15) (Navab et al., 2003), where Ac symbolizes acetylated. Thus, in specific embodiments, the C-terminus is carboxylated. The 2F peptide or an analog of 2F with the primary amino acid sequence Ac-D-W-F-K-A-F-Y-D-K-V-A-E-K-F-K-E-A-F-NH2 (4F) (SEQ ID NO:16) is used (Navab et al., 2003). An example of a human apolipoprotein A1 includes: LSPLGEEMRD RARAHVDALR THLAPYSDEL RQPLAARLEA LKENGGARLA EYHAKATEHL STLSEKA (SEQ ID NO:17). Other apolipoprotein A1 sequences, including those from organisms other than human, are available to the skilled artisan at the National Center for Biotechnology Information's GenBank database on the World Wide Web.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a mouse model is utilized to characterize administration of ApoA-I compositions. For example, the model generated by Dithmar et al. (2000) or an analogous model generated by similar methods in the art may be used in optimizing the present invention. In this model, ApoE⁻ mice demonstrate ultrastructural changes in Bruch's membrane, such as accumulation of material similar to basal linear deposit and an increase in membrane-bound material.

Example 11 APOA-I and RPE Cells

The present inventors have created liposomes comprising apoA-I (artificial preβ₁ HDL). Artificial discoidal apoA-I liposomes comprising purified human plasma apoAI, the saturated phospholipid dimyristoyl-L-α-phoshatidylcholine (DMPC) and cholesterol were constructed by the sodium cholate dialysis method. Liposomes were prepared using a molar ratio of approximately Jan. 5, 1995, apoA-I/free cholesterol/DMPC. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells grown on 6 well laminin coated Transwell® plates were fed ¹⁴C-docosahexaenoic acid labeled photoreceptor outer segments in medium containing 5% lipoprotein free fetal bovine serum for 36 hours (apical chamber). Basal chambers contained serum free medium and either no human high density lipoprotein (HDL) (Control), 100 μg/ml of human HDL, pure human apoA-I, or human apoA-I vesicles. An aliquot of the basal medium was subjected to liquid scintillation counting. The results are shown in FIG. 19. Wells were treated in triplicate. HDL stimulated ¹⁴C-labeled lipid efflux by about 60%. ApoA-1 appeared to stimulate 14C-labeled lipid efflux. The apoA-I vesicles (apoA-I V) did not stimulate ¹⁴C-labeled lipid efflux.

REFERENCES

All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

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Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A method of treating macular degeneration in an individual, comprising the step of increasing reverse cholesterol transport in an ocular tissue of the individual, wherein said increasing reverse cholesterol transport comprises increasing Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) level in the ocular tissue.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said increasing ApoA-I level comprises administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an ApoA-I composition.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the ApoA-I composition comprises an ApoA-I polypeptide or peptide.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the ApoA-I peptide comprises SEQ ID NO:15.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the ApoA-I peptide comprises SEQ ID NO:16.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the ApoA-I polypeptide or peptide comprises D-amino acids.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein increasing the ApoA-I level comprises upregulating expression of ApoA-I.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein increasing the ApoA-I level is further defined as administering an agent to the individual, such that said agent increases the level of circulating ApoA-I in the individual.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the agent comprises 1,2 dimyristoyl-α-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC).
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the individual locally or systemically.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered orally, parenterally, topically, intradermally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or intravenously.
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein said composition is administered to an individual orally, wherein said composition is further defined as comprising a liposome.
 13. A method of increasing lipid efflux from an ocular tissue comprising the step of increasing the level of ApoA-I in said tissue.
 14. A method of treating macular degeneration (AMD) in an individual, comprising the step of delivering a therapeutically effective amount of a liposome comprising ApoA-I to at least one tissue of the individual. 